General Motors' extended-range plug-in, which carries a $40,000 price tag before a federal rebate, was the top-scoring model in the survey, with 93 percent of respondents saying they would definitely buy the car again.

The survey of more than 314,000 Consumer Reports subscribers, however, was conducted before government crash tests resulted in two separate Volt battery pack fires that prompted a federal investigation.

The Volt was only in showrooms for a few months when it edged out the V8 Dodge Challenger and Porsche 911 in the customer satisfaction survey, suggesting enthusiasm from early adopters that won't necessarily carry over to a wider market.

The magazine previously recommended the Volt for above-average reliability and praised its advanced technology, but it also suggested that owning the vehicle is "an expensive way to be green."

"These models reflect a larger trend we've seen in recent years: Sporty cars and fuel efficient cars with alternative drivetrains tend to generate more enthusiasm and loyalty than most other types of vehicles," said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports automotive editor.

Audi, Ford and Chevrolet each had four models receive a top rating, with at least 80 percent of owners saying they'd buy the same vehicle again.